FUNDRAISERS
Fourth Annual SkillsUSA
Benefit Golf Tournament
1 p.m. today
The golf tournament will be held at Elizabethton Golf Course with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.Fees are $25 for cart sponsors, $50 for tee sponsors, $100 for hole sponsors, $50 entry fee per player or $200 per four-person team. Proceeds will be used to defray travel expenses for students at TCAT Elizabethton to participate in SkillsUSA competition.

WORKSHOPS
& CLASSES
Tomahawk Throw
3:30 p.m. today
Sycamore Shoals
State Historic Site
Come and learn about the versatile tomahawk. Parents and children both are welcome to join Gillian in the courtyard of the fort to learn about a favorite pastime of the frontiersmen, the tomahawk throw.

Critter Creek Walk
10:30 a.m. today
Sycamore Shoals
State Historic Site
Bring your water shoes and clothes that you do not mind getting dirty or wet. Join Gillian in the Visitors Center and take a stroll down to the banks of the Watauga. We will meet some critters along the way!

Edible and Medicinal
Plant Hike
2 p.m. today
Roan Mountain State Park
Hike along to learn interesting uses of forest plants. Meet Amanda at the Visitors’ Center.

Mow No Mo’
4:30 p.m. today
Roan Mountain State Park
— Have you noticed our fields of native wildflowers and grasses around the park? Join Amanda at the Picnic Shelter 1 to learn about our latest conservation and restoration project and how it’s paying off in more ways than one!

Park in the Dark
8:30 tonight
Roan Mountain State Park
When the lights go out, the creatures come out. Meet Amanda at the Miller Farmstead and we’ll try and spot some of our twilight-active animals and learn about their unique adaptations. Wear closed-toe shoes, and bring a light.

Wataugan Footsteps
10:30 a.m. Saturday
Sycamore Shoals
State Historic Site
Join Gillian in the Visitors Center and learn about an important woman on the frontier, Anne Robertson, who played a crucial role in the siege of the fort in 1776.

The Music That Made America
7 p.m. Saturday
Sycamore Shoals
State Historic Site
There are so many important tunes that we sing and instruments that we play today that were also used on the early frontier. Swing by the fort for a campfire and learn about these tunes and instruments that have been a part of our culture for centuries. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the evening. The program will be canceled if inclement weather occurs.

Flint and Steel
Fire Starting
3:30 p.m. Sunday
Sycamore Shoals
State Historic Site
We all enjoy a nice cozy fire now and then. Meet Gillian inside Fort Watauga to learn how the early settlers of Tennessee made fire with only a few simple items.

Atlatl and Dart
9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 18-19
Sycamore Shoals
State Historic Site
Make an atlatl and dart, a tool used for hunting and warfare by prehistoric cultures worldwide. Bring any wood working tools you have especially a good knife. All materials will be supplied. Adults only. Instructor: Bob Estep. Class minimum: 2. Class maximum: 6. Cost: $65.

MUSIC & THE ARTS
Music at the Amphitheater with HawkBaby
7 tonight
Roan Mountain State Park
Get ready to rock out with our local alternative rock band, HawkBaby. Meet at the Park Amphitheater, or Picnic Shelter 3 in case of inclement weather.

Magic at the Amphitheater with Mister Mystery
7 p.m. Saturday
Roan Mountain State Park
Prepare for an evening of mystery and illusion with Mister Mystery and his Magic Show at the Park Amphitheater. In case of inclement weather, meet at Picnic Shelter 3.

Bullseye Band
7-9 p.m. Saturday
Covered Bridge Park Stage
Covered Bridge Jams continue with the Thursday Night Boys. Bring a chair or a blanket, sit back and enjoy.

Old Time Music Jam
1:30-4 p.m. July 26
Sycamore Shoals
State Historic Site
Enjoy the rich musical traditions of our region each month. Old-time musicians of all levels are welcome. Don’t play and instrument? Come on over, kick back, and enjoy the tunes! Led by Art Lang.

EXHIBITS & DISPLAYS
Farmstead Tour
11 a.m. Sunday
Miller Farmstead at Roan Mountain State Park
Pack your lunch and meet Amanda on the Miller Farmstead front porch for a guided tour of the Farmstead and its grounds.

“From an African-American Perspective”
through Aug. 14
Opening reception 4-6 p.m. July 18
ETSU’s Reece Museum
423-439-4392
The exhibition of 76 works was curated by the late Sammie L. Nicely and features works from his collection, as well as the collections of Jan and Sylvia Peters and Dr. Jerome W. Wright.

Summer Art Show
Sunday through July 26
Sycamore Shoals
State Historic Site
Meet-the-Artist Awards Reception, 1:30-4 p.m. June 28
This multimedia exhibit is two art shows in one: “13th Annual Judged Show” and the “21st Annual Watauga Valley Art League Member Show.” Public is invited to the June 28 Reception and to enjoy the art exhibit all month.

MEETINGS
Watauga Valley
Fife & Drum Corps
10 a.m.-noon Saturdays
Sycamore Shoals
State Historic Site
423-543-5808
The Fife & Drum Corps performs at historical events, dedications and parades. It is open to anyone 13 or older. Musical experience welcome but not required. Lessons are free. Just call and let them know you’re coming.

The Liberty Spinners
9:30-11:30 a.m. July 14
Sycamore Shoals
State Historic Site
This gathering of spinners and fiber artists is open to anyone interested in the art of spinning. Join us at 9:30 am on the second Tuesday of each month (April to November).

REUNIONS
65th VonCannon/VonCanon/VunCannon
Family Reunion
noon July 11
Watauga Pointe Recreation Area
The VonCannons will caravan from Watauga Pointe Recreation Area to the Elk Mills Family
Cemetery and Elk Mills Christian Church for group pictures.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Independence Day
Celebration
10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday
Roan Mountain State Park
A day full of field games, watermelon, campfire stories and a little magic is in store for the annual Independence Day Celebration this weekend at Roan Mountain State Park.

“Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals”
7:30 p.m. July 9-11, 16-18 & 23-25
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Site
www.friendsofsycamoreshoals.org/
Tennessee’s official outdoor drama, presented by local performers against the backdrop of Fort Watauga. See the Revolution as told by the Overmountain Men: colonists who defied British law and settled on Cherokee lands. These settlers formed an independent government, made treaties with the Cherokee, defended their homes and fought a British army at the epic battle of King’s Mountain. Bleacher seating is available in the Amphitheater. Sponsored by Friends of Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Admission Charge.

ON THE HORIZON
Tour of Historic Washington County
Sept. 26
The Jonesborough Genealogical Society will host a tour of Washington County. Lunch will be provided. Cost: $35 for guild members, $40 for nonmembers. More information pending.

Annual Cranberry Festival
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 10
Shady Valley Elementary School
423-727-5800
Parade, quilt show, crafts, exhibits, music, demonstrations and food. Book signing by Darrell Brinkley, Mr. Shady Valley. Admission: FREE.

CALENDAR POLICY
The Elizabethton Star will publish in its calendar any nonprofit event in Carter, Johnson or Washington County. To submit your event, send an email to dawn.meade@elizabethton.com. You also may mail or drop off your notice at 300 N. Sycamore St., Elizabethton TN 37643.
Please include the following information:
t The name of the event;
t The date and time of the event;
t The location of the event;
t A phone number or website the public may use to obtain more information; and
t A brief description of the event.
Please also include the name and phone number of someone we can call if we have questions about your submission. This contact number will not be published.